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Opportunity of a Lifetime for I.H.S. Musicians On Sunday, January 24, the 63-member Independence High School Wind Ensemble performed in the Seventh Annual Northeast Ohio Band Invitational sponsored by the Case Western Reserve University Department of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Under the direction of Matthew Schatt, the IHS Wind Ensemble performed a 45-minute program on-stage at Severance Hall which included works by Weller, Strommen, Balmages, Saucedo, Prescott, and Fillmore. Also on the program was the world premier of a new musical work by the IHS Wind Ensemble entitled “Flourish” by composer David Shaffer. Shaffer was commissioned by the Independence High School Music Boosters in 2009 to composer a musical tribute to retiring band director Kendal L. Gunlicks. The premier was conducted by the composer who traveled from Cincinnati for the event. The IHS Wind Ensemble was one of four bands to be invited to participate in the event which featured concert bands from Northeast Ohio. Remarked Schatt, “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to experience playing in this magnificent venue. Sunday was a day that we will all remember for the rest of our lives.”

InTouchAn E-Newsletter for the Staff of Independence Local SchoolsInTouch

Photos courtesy of Clifford Norton Photography

Schools Win Buckeye Best Schools Award

Healthy students make better learners! The Buckeye Best Healthy Schools Awards recognize schools that demonstrate a commitment to the health and wellness of their students and staff through the establishment of programs and policies that foster such goals. These include improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and stopping or preventing the use of tobacco. Independence Primary School has won the gold medal and Independence High School received the bronze.

High School Honored with Harold Meyer Sportsmanship Award

Independence High School has once again been awarded the Harold Meyer Sportsmanship Award for 2009 given each year by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The award began in 1990 to develop an awareness of the need for sportsmanship, ethics and integrity in the schools of Ohio. The award may be won by each and every OHSAA member school — grade 7-8 or high school — by meeting certain minimum requirements. · A written Board of Education policy on sportsmanship, ethics and integrity in extracurricular activities. · A broad-based sportsmanship, ethics and integrity committee to coordinate the planning and implementation of a sportsmanship, ethics and integrity program. · Presentations throughout the school year to coaches, athletes, parents, fans and support

groups emphasizing the school’s philosophy on sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. · An ongoing campaign that promotes sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. · An annual evaluation of all coaches in the areas of instruction and demonstration of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. · A procedure for receiving, investigating and acting upon complaints regarding sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. · A plan for dealing with critical situations such as heated rivalries, overflow crowds and unruly spectators. · A program for acknowledging/rewarding examples of good sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. We are very proud of our Blue Devils athletes and coaches and our entire athletic department. A banner will be on display of this accomplishment.

Breakfast of Math and Science Champions The Independence Middle School eighth grade algebra class was selected to be among the 350 students throughout the state to participate in the Breakfast of Math and Science Champions held at eighteen different locations throughout central Ohio. IMS students were selected to partake in a hands-on program and lecture held at the Ohio State University Center for Emergent Materials. Every student had time to investigate a train that did not touch the tracks, a banana that could be used as a hammer and metals with memory. Professors and graduate students answered questions and spoke about the programs and opportunities available in math and science and engineering at Ohio State. The class is thankful for the opportunity to participate in such a mind-expanding experience.

School Board Recognized at January Meeting As citizens who serve children and represent their communities, individual school board members face complex and demanding challenges. Yet, few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities. The contribution of our Independence Local Schools Board of Education was recognized for their vital contributions at the January board meeting. After the meeting, everyone celebrated with a cake. Thank you for making a difference for the students of Independence Local Schools!

Distance Learning Soars in Independence Schools Thanks to Creative Teachers and Great Technology By Megan Karavas, Student Reporter Independence Local Schools frequently incorporates video conferencing, or distance learning, into its curriculum. Video conferencing is convenient because it can be moved to any room in the schools to accommodate large or small groups of students, and it opens up access to many new learning opportunities. For example, at the high school, Mrs. Jennifer Dietrich had her History Through Film class watch a presentation given by Tom Hanks, who was recently in Cleveland and working in conjunction with WVIZ educational programming. “The reason such opportunities are available for Independence students is because we are part of the Northern Ohio Technical Association. NOTA is part of the WVIZ educational group, and allows us access to special speakers,” said Rick Wherley, the district’s technology coordinator.

Many teachers are taking advantage of opportunities for distance learning. Apart from supplementing class lessons, video conferencing allows I.H.S. to include two beginning level Chinese classes in the curriculum. Everyday, Chinese I and II students attend a class over a tele-screen using remote classroom access. These classes are partly responsible for ranking Independence School District second in the state for its use of distance learning. High School Teacher Mrs. Donna Krusinski streamed a presentation from the Great Lakes Science Center for her classes. Mr. Eric Wells had his Chemistry class watch a session on pharmacy. Primary School Teacher Mrs. Debbie Klag used video conferencing with her science classes. Standardized Test prep classes are also offered to students through video conferencing for a lower price than hiring a private tutor. When asked if the district plans to add more ways to incorporate video conferencing, Mr. Wherley assured that there will be plenty of opportunities to stream special speakers that come to Cleveland through the WVIZ network.

IT’S for Girls Cuyahoga Valley Career Center hosted 10 young ladies from Independence Middle School for their program, IT’S for Girls, on Friday, December 4. The students spent the day doing hands on activities relating to Information Technology. There were 30 professional IT women who had lunch with the girls to talk about their careers with them. Programs like this are an attempt to introduce young women to fields where women are traditionally underrepresented. We thank the Career Center for organizing this great event.

Students Go Behind the Scenes at

In November, Mrs. Michelle Koussa’s reading classes at Independence Middle School studied the newspaper. They looked at the language of the newspaper, current events, went on scavenger hunts, studied the purposes of the newspaper, and talked about conflict in the world and in their own lives and how it could positively be resolved. They also studied the history of The Plain Dealer, the sections that can be found each day, and important facts and figures.

The unit was topped off with an awesome trip to the Plain Dealer Production Plant on Tiedeman Road. The students were able to see the sprawling 10 acre building, the newspaper presses, the giant 2,800 pound rolls of newsprint (which they were able to autograph), the SGV’s (robots), the circulation/assembly stations, and historical pictures. After the tour, the students were able to have a question and answer session with PD reporter, John Campanelli. The students had a great time seeing all of the behind the scenes work that goes on to produce the daily paper

Independence Local School District has Joined the Movement Toward 100% Tobacco-Free Schools Independence Local School District has joined “The Movement,” a 100% tobacco-free initiative for Cuyahoga County school districts. The Movement is sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Comprehensive Partnership for Tobacco Reduction (The Partnership), and is under the direction of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH). “We would like to congratulate the Independence Local School District on joining The Movement,” said Jennifer Clayton, CCBH. “Independence and other school districts that are 100% tobacco-free are setting a great example for other school districts in the area. We encourage others to follow their lead until all districts in Cuyahoga County are 100 percent tobacco-free.” Funded by the Ohio Department of Health, the goal of The Movement is to encourage all 31 school districts within Cuyahoga County to enact a 100 percent tobacco-free policy. To be considered 100 percent tobacco-free, a school district must prohibit the use of all tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chew, snuff, etc., by everyone (school visitors, faculty, students) on all school grounds, including school events. With the addition of Independence, 17 school districts, approximately 55 percent, have such a policy in place and they include: Bay Village, Beachwood, Bedford, Berea, Brecksville/Broadview Heights, Garfield Heights, Lakewood, North Royalton, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Orange, Richmond Heights, Rocky River, Solon, South Euclid/Lyndhurst and Westlake. The remaining 14 school districts that don’t have a 100 percent tobacco-free policy are: Brooklyn, Chagrin Falls, Cleveland Metropolitan, Cleveland Heights/University Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, East Cleveland, Euclid, Fairview Park, Maple Heights, Mayfield, Parma, Shaker Heights, Strongsville and Warrensville Heights. “As our district furthers its commitment to provide a safe, orderly, and healthy environment for students, employees, and visitors, we are happy to join The Movement with the implementation of our 100% tobacco-free policy,” said David Laurenzi, superintendent, Independence Local School District. “It nicely complements other health-related initiatives enacted by the Independence Local School District Board of Education.”

Lake County Captains Inspire Students to Read

Independence Primary School fourth graders are participating in the Lake County Captains Reading Program once again this year. This program supports the fourth grade literacy initiatives by encouraging independent reading outside the class. The students read one book per month and complete monthly activities from a variety of genres. In January, the genre was biographies and the students were asked to make a representation of their chosen person using paper plates or clay. As you can imagine the kids ran with the project and where very creative. Kim Rega, Mrs. Cindy Ipsaro’s student, put it best when she said, “The program is really fun because you read different books each month and you also make crafts!” At the end of the program the kids will get to go to a Captain’s game and be in a parade on the field.

Bringing Real World Engineering into the Classroom Two guest speakers from R. E. Warner & Associates, a local engineering firm, presented career and “real world” experiences to the physic’s class at Independence High School. Teacher Jennifer Haren has begun bringing in guest speakers in a variety of fields. Brian Emery, who has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University, presented his educational pathway that lead him to consulting. In addition, he provided information about his current project that focuses on green technology and engaged students with opportunities to win items from R.E. Warner by quizzing the students regarding physic’s facts. Patrick Thornton, an architect with a degree from Kent State University, presented how architect’s play a role in structural design, as well as, education, consulting, development, and production. He shared his experiences as a high school and college student, providing student with encouragement to follow their aspirations. The most important topic discussed was the relationship between these professions and others that stresses the importance of being able to work together to achieve a common goal.

Never Too Young to Create A Bucket List The sixth graders in Mrs. Michelle Koussa’s class started the New Year by creating “bucket lists” based off the movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Each student created a list of at least 30 things he or she would like to do throughout life. The activity helped students think about goals and dreams they would like to accomplish. In an attempt to help make the dreams of others come true, the students sold/could buy books for $3. The book contains bucket lists from all the sixth grade students, as well as staff throughout the middle school. The students then wrote persuasive paragraphs to decide where the money should go. More than $125 was raised and will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation and the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.

Project Linus

Independence Primary School first graders celebrated Christmas with a project to give back to the community. Inspired by Project Linus, an initiative to make blankets for the less fortunate, Marla Staffanson, room mother, brought this to Mrs. Joan Ticherich’s first grade class. The kids made blankets during their holiday party and then donated them to Cleveland area hospitals for ill or traumatized children. The blankets where all pre-cut by parents Kathy Dorko and Marla Staffanson.

Independence High School Government Class Continues to Host Political Speakers

What a year students are having in Mr. Josh Piscura’s government class! They have been introduced to dozens of politicians and civic leaders this year through a new initiative that brings in weekly speakers to the classroom. Speakers that have visited the students this year include: Jim Riley, City Council, City of IndependenceDennis Kucinich, U.S. Representative (making a return visit)

Pete Kirsanow, U.S. Civil Rights Commission Member & I.H.S. Graduate (making a return visit)

Tom Patton, State Senator

Tom Narduzzi, City Council, City of Independence

Greg Kurtz, Mayor, City of Independence

Tim Olesniak, Sheriff’s Office (making a return visit)

Debbie Nicastro, Municipal Judge

Nick Gatozzi, Cleveland Foundation (making a return visit)

Tim Grendell, State Senator (making a return visit)

John Veres, Finance Director, City of Independence

John and Nancy Joyce, former F.B.I. Special Agents

Jennifer Ransom, The Federal Reserve

Charles Wilson, Secret Service Agent and Internet Crime Investigator Scheduled for second semester are:

Marlene Anielski, Mayor, Walton Hills, Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

Jay Westbrook, City of Cleveland

Jennifer Eltin, Regional Sewer District

Claire Rosacco, Cuyahoga Community College, Government Relations

Guests from Attorney General

Mary Rose Oakar

Brent Larkin, Plain Dealer

Jeff Darcy, Plain Dealer political cartoonist

Josh Mandel Students also will participate in a school mock election on April 20. The outcome will change one of the school’s current policies.

Come and join us at the library for these special upcoming programs. All programs are free of charge. • Group sizes are limited.

When registration is required, please register in- person, by phone (at 216.447.0160) or visit cuyahogalibrary.org.

Library EvEnts

KICK UP YOUR HEELS WITH THE DANCING WHEELS!Registration is required.Thursday, February 47:00pmInteractive, Entertaining and Enlightening are the words that describe this fun and informative lecture/performance. Discover physically integrated dance, a new and innovative art form that awakens the potential and possibilities within us all. This interactive lecture/performance will entertain and enlighten the whole family. Prior to a question and answer period, audience members will be invited up for a bit of partnering --- they may even get to hop into a wheelchair for some wheelie work.

CAN’T STOP CLASSIFYINGRegistration is required.Grades 3-6Wednesday, February 244:00pmWhy is the opossum classified in the same family as the kangaroo? Students will hone their skills by sorting and grouping different objects as they investigate the importance of unique and shared characteristics. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Independence Library.

CRAFTY CAPERSRegistration is required.Monday, March 293:45pmA story/craft program for children in grades K-3. Great for homeschoolers as well! Flock into the library for a fantastic frenzy of stories, a craft, and other fun activities about chickens, birds, and other feathered friends. Program runs from 3:45-4:30 PM.

Lynn Raymond, Children’s Assistant Cuyahoga County Public Library Independence Branch 6 361 Selig Drive • Independence, Ohio 44131-4926 P: 216-447-0160 • F: 216.447.1371 • www.cuyahogalibrary.org

Talent Showcased at the Cuyahoga Valley Chamber of Commerce First Annual Impact Awards

Mike Foor and his Industrial Tech students created seven awards for the recent Cuyahoga Valley Chamber of Commerce Impact Awards. The chamber wanted to showcase the talent within our district and was very pleased with the end result. The awards dinner was on January 21 at the Holiday Inn in Independence. The Cuyahoga Valley Career Center created the pyramid top and the high school created the wooden bases and attached the engraved plaques. Special thanks to Mike and his students for going over and beyond in helping our local business community.

Thank you to our Business/School Partners:

Nominate That Special TeacherTeachers play a pivotal role in our children’s lives. The

Independence Local Schools/Farmers Insurance Group

Guiding Star Award honors those teachers that go above

and beyond the call of duty each semester. Recognition of

those special teachers has never been more important than

right now. If you know of a teacher that deserves special

recognition, nominate them for the Guiding Star Award, a

celebration of teaching excellence.

Name of Teacher you are nominating: _________________________________________________

Grade level they teach: ______

How has this teacher made a difference in your life or the life of a student? (use back if needed)

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Nomination Submitted by: (may be more than one person) _______________________________________

Address:______________________________________ Phone:___________________________

Relationship to Nominee: q Student q Colleague q Parent q Community Member

Nomination Deadline: April 16, 2010

Send nominations to “Guiding Star Award” • 7733 Stone Road, Independence, OH 44131Winner will be recognized the week of January 26, 2009 and will receive a Guiding Star Award as well as a $250 Professional

Development grant from Farmers Insurance Group. In addition, they will receive a $75 gift certificate to Shula’s 2 Restaurant in the Doubletree Hotel in Independence and flowers and a gift certificate from Independence Flowers & Gifts.

Benefiting Independence Local Schools . . .

Indiana Wesleyan UniversityCleveland

Race for Education

Saturday, April 17, 2010Independence Middle School6111 Archwood Road, IndependenceRegistration begins 8 am9 am - 1 Mile Run/Walk • 9:30 am - 5K Run

Entry fees:$14 Pre-registration - one race$17 Pre-registration - both races$16 Race Day registration - one race$19 Race Day registration - both races

The4th Annual

Awards: Overall top 3 male and females (1 mile/5K);Top three in the following age groups for each gender:1 mile: 6 & under, 7-9, 10-12, 13-14, 15-195K: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59,60 & over

Registation: Make checks payable and submit registrations to: HMA PromotionsPO Box 22622 • Cleveland, OH 44122or register online at: http://www.HMAPromotions.net

Call (216) 525-6160 or (216) 752-5151 for more info.

Name: Sex: Age:

Address: City,State,Zip:

E-mail Address: T-shirt Size: Youth S(6-8) M(10-12) Adult: S M L XL XXL

I am competing in: 5K Run 1 Mile Walk/Run Both Races

I cannot participate but would like to make a donation to Independence Local Schools. I would like a race t-shirt in the size indicated above for my donation or registration of $14 or more.

Amount Enclosed: $ Release: In consideration of the acceptance of the entry to the Race for Education, I do, hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators waive, release, and discharge Indiana Wesleyan University, the City of Independence, Independence Local Schools, HMA Sports, and any additional hosts and sponsors, or their respective agents, representatives, and employees from all claims, demands and rights of cause of action, present and future whether known or anticipated resulting from or arising out of either directly my participation in the Race for Education. I attest that I am physically fit and sufficiently trained for the comple-tion of this race. I have read and understand the foregoing assumption of risk and release.

SIGNATURE: DATE:

(Parent or Guardian must sign if entrant is under 18 years of age)

Special thanks to our sponsors: